Medical Psychology

Medical psychologists are the general physicians of the field of psychology, learning and applying a variety of psychological principles and treatment methods. Read on to find out more about a career in medical psychology.

Inside Medical Psychology

The field of medical psychology involves instruction in the observation, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with psychological issues through the use of therapy and medication. Students of medical psychology learn about mental and behavioral disorders, psychiatry, neuroscience, developmental pathology and neurobiology.

Education Information

Bachelor's and graduate degree programs in psychology are available in many schools. However, medical (also known as clinical) psychology degree programs are exclusively offered at the doctorate level, either as stand-alone programs or as specializations within medical degree programs.

According to the Academy of Medical Psychology (AMP), there are two educational paths to becoming a medical psychologist. One is to complete medical school and earn a license to practice medicine in the United States. The other is to complete an American Psychological Association-accredited Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program, followed by a post-doctoral master's degree or certificate program in clinical psychopharmacology (www.amphome.org). These articles from Study.com explore more aspects about medical (or clinical) psychology.

Distance Learning Options

There exist no online-only medical psychology programs, yet there are some hybrid alternatives that might appeal to students interested in the field. These articles explain more about the online alternatives for medical psychology education.

Career Options

Graduates from medical or clinical psychology programs may work for hospitals or set up their own practices. The following articles detail more about the professional options in the medical psychology field.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2013 that the middle half of clinical psychologists (along with their school and counseling colleagues) had incomes between $50,700 and $88,650. According to the BLS, employment of these professionals was predicted to grow 11 percent from 2012-2022 (www.bls.gov).